Luke 6:31

Would you like to be marked as one who demonstrates the distinctive love of the Father? Flesh out the above verse. With little or no effort, treating ourselves rightly seems to be a piece of cake for us! We are normally easier on ourselves, thinking that we are not all that bad – in fact, we usually think we are pretty good. Scripture tells us that we are to think of ourselves with sober judgment – meaning not fanciful or exaggerated: 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you Romans 12:3 (NIV)
We also have a tendency to, whenever possible, indulge our every whim. For some unknown reason we think we deserve “special treatment” – oftentimes, showing no restraint in demanding or acquiring. Scripture again tells us: 4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Prov 23:4 (NIV) 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4 (NIV)
Restraint evidences wisdom in a life and humility is commanded by God and precious in His sight. As Paul asks us: 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Cor 4:6-7 (NIV)
Certainly Peter and Paul confirm this with the following verses: All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV) 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4 (NIV)
Armed with the attitude of Christ, we are to go forth ministering to a hurting world – loving them as we love ourselves. This, of course, cannot be done consistently in our own power but only through the power of the Holy Spirit which brings all glory to God. If in our every word or deed towards others we would allow ourselves to consider how we would respond to like treatment, I am confident it would temper our actions, conforming us more and more to the image of God’s Son. The more often we take the opportunity to implement this truth in our life the better at it we become. In our folly, we simply care too much about ourselves causing us to miss out on the Divine blessing - to our shame and loss! It would behoove us to realize anew that it is simply not about us, but all about Him – and that is where contentment and joy abound. As Moses was given eyes to see the futility of seeking the fleeting pleasures of Egypt, we too should believe Jesus in that it is more blessed to give than to receive. John Piper hits the nail on the head when he writes: “We do not believe Jesus when He says there is more blessedness, more joy, more lasting pleasure in a life devoted to helping others than there is in a life devoted to our material comfort. And therefore, the very longing for contentment that ought to drive us to simplicity of life and labors of love contents itself instead with the broken cisterns of prosperity and comfort. Quit being satisfied with the little five percent yields of pleasure that get eaten up by the moths of inflation and rust of death. Invest in the blue-chip, high-yield, divinely insured security of heaven. Devoting a life to material comforts and thrills is like throwing money down a rat hole. But investing a life in the labor of love yields dividends of joy unsurpassed and unending.” “Love is the overflow of joy in God that meets the needs of others.” 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matt 20:28 (NIV)